Rapid RSV tests linked to less antibiotic prescribing in kids
Medical Xpress
March 5, 2026
RSV is a significant cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs) in children, including 50% to 80% of children 5 years old and younger who are hospitalized with bronchiolitis and 40% of those over 12 months who are hospitalized with pneumonia. Yet, despite established guidelines that emphasize antibiotics provide no therapeutic benefit, RSV-related symptoms in children are frequently treated with antibiotics, particularly in doctor's offices and other outpatient settings where access to diagnostic testing that can differentiate between viral and bacterial infections is limited.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 3/5/2026